Packing for universal joints



L. ANDREASSEN PACKING FOR UNIVERSAL JOINTS June 22 1926.

Filed Sept. 23. 1922 amue/wtox alien 1M l atented June 22, 1926 LABS ANDREASSEN, OF PROVIDENCE, BI-IODE ISLAND.

PACKING FOE UNIVERSAL JOINTS.

Application filed September 23, 1922. Serial No. 590,208.

This invention relates to improvements in packings for universal joints for shaft drive, and has for its object to provide in such a joint having a pair of easing memhers, a packing ring encircling the bearing surface of the ball-member of the joint at the end of the socket member and the provision of means for applying both a circular and a longitudinal pressure to the packing ring to prevent the grease in the casmg from working out through the joint.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plurality of segmental members through which pressure is applied to the packing.

lVith these and other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, as will be more fully described, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a universal joint with my improved means for packing the casing joint against the escape of grease, a portion of the pressure-supplyinguneans and the packing being shown in section.

Figure 2 is an end View on line 22 of figure 1, showing the means for applying a circular pressure to the packing through the segmental members.

Figure 3 is a perspective view one of the fabric packing rings in detail.

Figure 4c is a perspective view showing one of the pressure-applying segments in showing detail.

Figure 5 is a fragmental View of the joint casing partly in section showing a portion of one of the segmental members as applying pressure to the packing rings.

It is found in practice in the practical operation of universal joints for shafts of motor vehicles, that where the rounded or ball end of one of the casing members fits into the corresponding socket portion of the opposite casing members, the grease with which the casing is supplied has a tendency to work out and be thrown about over the surrounding parts and soon the working parts within the casing become dry and worn, althougl'i in many instances a packing is provided in one of the casing members for preventing this, and to effectually pack this joint against the escape of grease, I have provided a packing ring, preferably of pliable material such as felt or fabric which surrounds the bearing surface of the ball member at the end of the socket member and have provided means whereby both a circnlar and a longitudinal pressure may be applied to this packing ring close this joint and so prevent the escape of grease therefrom; and the following is a detailed description of one means by which this result may be accomplished lVith reference to the drawings, designates the ball end member of the casing which is a portion of a sphere, or rounded at its end, to fit into a correspondinglyshaped socket member 11 and within which casing the universal joint is housed, the two 7 casing members serving as a receptacle to retain sutiicient grease for properly lubricating the working parts of the joint and at the same time exclude foreign matter therefrom.

in some instances the ordinary joint is pro vided with a packing ring 12 whch is located in an annular recess adjacent the edge of the socket member, but this is found to be insuflicient for retaining the grease against the pumping or forcing action of the joint when in operation. Therefore, it is found in practice necessary in order to effectually stop the leakage of grease through this joint to provide additional means for this purpose and to successfully accomplish this I 'vided an annular packing ring of felt 13, which is substantially Z-shape in cross sec-- tion, having one portion 14E lying against the Working face of the ball member and one portion 15 lying against the end face of the tightly against the joint portion between the two members, I have provided a packing ring 18 which may be formed of any suitable flexible material, preferably felt, cotton, or other fabric. I then position the joint portion 19 of this ring so as not to register with that of the inner felt ring, and in order to bind this outer ring against the inner ring, I have provided a plurality of segmental sections 20, preferably of metal, each being provided with a pair of cars 21. Through the adjacent cars of the adjacent segments, a binding bolt 99 have passed each having a spring to effectually 60 have pro- 85 under its head and another spring 24: under its nut portion 25, whereby by setting up the nut of each of these segments a circular ten sion is applied through them to .the inner and outer packing rings 18 and 18, to flexibiy apply the necessary pressure to bindthe inner packing ring tightly againstthe surface of the ball member o'ithe casing.

t is found desirable in addition to applying a circular pressure to the packing, to also apply an endways pull or pressure on the segmental members so as to draw them tightly against-the flanged end of the socket member, which is aceon plisl-ied by providing an upturned end portion on each segn'ient forming an ear pierced to receive one end oi the tension spring 27, the opposite ends oi these springs being attached to the flange 28 oi the collar 29 which may be adjusted lengthwise ofthe shaft 30 to control the extent of longitudinal pull or the segments against the packing ring 18.

i thisconstruction, it will be seen that the packing ring is pressed tightly both circularly and longitudinally to 'lf orce-the inner felt ring-so to positively close vthe joint opening 'between the ball member and the cup member oi thejointhousing and so positively prevent the grease itron'i being ,i orced therefrom. I

My improved packing for preventing leakage of grease from the joint housing is very simple andpracticalj in construction and eli'ective in its operation.

The foregoing description is directed solely towards the construction illustrated, but I desire it to be understood that I reserve the privilege of resorting to all the mechanical changes to which the device is susceptible, the invention being defined and limited only by the terms oft-he appended claims.

I claim: 1. A packing for a universal oint in corn bination with a pair of casing members 111 which the ball end of one .works in the socket oi the other, of a packing ring at the edge of the socket member and about the bearing surfaceoli the ball member, a plurality of segmental presser members, and means for applying a pressure on said packing and taking up its wear.

2. A packing for a universal joint in combination with a pair of casing members in whichthe ball end or one works in the socket of the other, of a packing ring at the edge of the socket member and aboutjthe bearing surface of the ball member, a plurality of segmental members, adjustable means for applying a radial pressure on said packing, and spring means also acting on said se mental member tor applying'a longitudinal pressure on said packing to hold it against the edge of the socket member.

A packing "for a universal'joint in combination with a pair of easing members .in which the ballend of one works in'the socket of the other, of a packing ring at the edge oi the socket member and about the bearing surface oi the ball member, a plurality of segmental members, and adjustable ,nieans acting upon said members -ior applying a yieldable circularpressure to the packing.

i. A packing for a universal joint in combination witha pair of casing members'in which the ball end of one works in the socket of the other, of a packing ring at the edge oi the socket member and abouhthe bearing surface of the ball-member, a plurality of segmental members, and adjustable spring means for-applying both a circular and a longitudinal pressure on said packing.

In testimony whereof I ailixiny signature.

LABS ANDREASSEN.

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